Beta Sigma Phi Cyber Council


Sharing Reports - September/October, 2010

On Line Psi

Kimberly W and Vicki S will be eligible for their Exemplar degrees next Spring. President Cheryl will conduct both rituals on Founders Day 2011.

SOCIAL: In celebration of our 10th Anniversary, sisters in Arizona, New York, California and Florida will be hosting parties throughout the 2010-2011 sorority year.

SERVICE: Our service chairwoman, Kathy, will be sending our chapter reminders to click the Breast Cancer Site and the Pet Food Site.

BOOK CLUB: Vikki N led a review of the book - "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. Sisters, who read the book, seemed to enjoy it. Many said they would like to see the movie. One sister, who did see the movie, liked the book better than the movie.

This month Jean T will lead a discussion on "Committed,"a follow-up book written by Elizabeth Gilbert.

RECIPES: In September Beth F posted two Irish Desserts - Carrot Cake and Chocolate and Guinness Brownies:

Carrot Cake

1/2 c granulated sugar, 2/3 c sunflower oil, 3 eggs, 1 c all purpose flour, 1 tsp, baking soda, 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp each ground nutmeg and cloves, 3/4 c grated carrots, 1 c chopped waluts, 1/2 c golden raisins, 1 (8oz can) crushed pineapple, drained. Preheat oven to 325 degree, grease 8x8 inch squar pan With electric mixer, combine sugar, oil, and eggs. Beat until smooth. Sift dry ingredients. Add to oil and beat until well combined Stir in last 4 ingredients. Pour into pan and bake 45 - 55 minutes or until top is browned and skewred inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool on rake, then remove from pan to serving plate. Cream Cheese Icing: 1/2 c unsalted butter at room temperature, 1/2 (4oz) of creame cheese at room temperature, 1 c confectioners sugar sifted. In bowl combine butter and cheese until smooth, add confertioners sugar abd beat until smooth. Cover cake and cut into squares to serve.

******************************************
Chocolate and Guinness Brownies

4 eggs, 3/4 c superfine sugar, 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped, 4 oz white chocolate, chopped, 6 T unsalted butter, 3/4 c all purpose flour, 3/4 c cocoa, 1 1/4 cs Guinness stout and confectioners sugar for dusting. Preheat oven to 375 degrees, butter 8x8 squar pan With elect mixer combine the eggs, and sugar - beating until light and fluffy. In med. saucepan, over med heat melt the chocolate and white chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and beat into the egg mixture. Sift dry ingredients and beat into chocolate mixture. Whisk in the Guinness. Pour into pan and bake 20-25 minutes or until skewer inserted into center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool. To serve, dust cake with confectioners sugar and cut into squares. **************************************

Rose
OLP Rep


On Line Delta

August

We have 38 members total and 16 of us do not belong to a land chapter. Our programs are about 50/50 from each. It is the same people though each year who volunteer for programs, Koffee Klatch and Socials. A few others participate but do not create a program. I actually posed this question because I wanted to know if other chapters were experiencing the same thing. If not I am looking for suggestions on how we might get the others in the chapter interested in participating.

Susan
OLD Rep


On Line Sigma

OLS Sharing Report – Sep 2010 Greetings from OLS and "welcome back" to Sam. We've all been thoroughly enjoying summer. Linda's in Brazil new grandson, Ginger, Janice and others have been doing lots of travelling and Sheila's busy making wedding plans.

In July, Tina took us to central Texas for a day of fun in the sun exploring the town of New Braunfels. We're still debating whether `tubing' is a summer or winter activity. Afterwards, Sharon treated us to a fine spread of goodies under shady trees and even got Tina to share her blueberry cobbler that she teased us with on Facebook. For our program, Amanda had us meandering through pathways of some of the world's most famous gardens such as the Versailles, Paleis Het Loo, Butchart, and Exbury Gardens.

In Aug, Sharon took us on a tour of the Petoskey area in Northern Michigan then out for a little petrified fossil coral stone hunting. Afterwards, Bj provided drinks and snacks in a tea room where we relaxed and chatted into the evening.

The Program Committee

had us "Getting Our Kicks On Route 66". We went down the famous highway and visited places like the Meramec Caverns, Leaning Water Tower, Cadillac Ranch, Petrified Forest and Meteor Crater. By the way, we did take a wrong turn at Albuquerque so apparently, it doesn't only happen to Bugs Bunny.

In Sep, Mitch took us to a Fall Park where we enjoyed pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hayrides. Our hostess, Marge, had us in an apple orchard where we sat on bales of hay and enjoyed the fruits of the harvest such as apple cider, caramel apples, apple fritters, corn dogs and more. The Program Committee took us took some of the greatest Corn Mazes & Labyrinths in the world.

During our fun summer, Kathy has been doing a great job of scheduling sisters for our social events and reminding each when our turn comes since we've been so forgetful. Who can remember anything when the sun's always beckoning you to go out and play?

Sadly, OLS ends this meeting on another sad note as we said `Goodbye' to our sister, Anne, who passed away after a long illness. We'll always remember "the tiny woman with a very big heart".

I said that Kathy was the chair of the Hostess Committee but she's the chair of Social Committee. Regardless, I wanted to share with you, what a great job she does with that committee.

Mitch
OLS Rep


On Line Beta

Hello to everyone from your sisters of OLB. We hope you enjoyed your summer and are enjoying Fall too. I see it's been a while since we shared OLB happenings so will try to bring you up to date. We celebrated Founder's Day online on April 30th. Our celebration can be viewed at:

http://www.cawamn.com/OnLineBeta/foundersday/fd10welcome.html We are also proud to announce our 2009-2010 Woman of the Year is Dorothy.

Over the last few months, OLB made plans for the coming year. New committees and the budget were approved at our June meeting. Our programs and socials have been fun and show the creativity of our sisters.

Our May program was presented by Valerie and discussed the what, why, when, who and how of programs for Beta Sigma Phi. It brought us back to the basics. This year our programs are being handled differently. Members were asked to pick a month to present a program. In the past, our program committee was responsible for presenting programs. This year the committee is responsible for coordinating programs and offering assistance to our members, with the emphasis on our official members giving programs.

June program was presented by Beth M and the topic was music. As a result of her program we found that we had quite a few musically inclined sisters. In July, we had two programs. Valerie presented a program on water sports and Cathy introduced us to the Virtual Worlds. Both programs were interesting. Our August program was presented by Nikki Hall - 'Women of the Klondike.' This was a fascinating program and many sisters participated. Those Klondike women sure endured many hardships. September we had two programs. Julia introduced us to some of her ancestors and gave us a great history lesson on Texas in the process with her program titled Family in Texas. Violet showed us that dancing is not just for the youngsters in her "Dancing for Seniors" program. We learned about square dancing and round dancing. Her program brought many memories from members who had not square danced since high school or elementary school.

Our socials have been entertaining, educational and fun. In May we celebrated Mother's Day and in June we attended a high tea at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria BC and being in the virtual world we traveled to several beautiful flower gardens in Canada. The social for July was given by Irene. It was a "Truth or Dare" game where some sisters revealed something about themselves that could have been either true or false. Members sent in their guesses to the inputs and sisters finally revealed the truth. Fun was had by all. August we celebrated with a trip to the top 10 beaches in America and Canada. We enjoyed a pig roast down on the beach followed by a wheel barrel of snacks in the evening. September we left the hot summer behind and enjoyed a pictorial trip in to the cozy, cooler autumn countryside where we enjoyed beautiful fall colors, Irish Coffee at a local pub, a soak in wonderful hot bath, and more hot toddies by a cozy fireplace.

Our Recipe/Craft committee continues to wow us with yummy recipes and crafts.

The gals on our Service Committee have shared articles and recommended books to help us meet life's demands. Topics have included 5 ways to help with the Gulf oil spill; ideas for smart shopping so we don't overspend and a good book that has a lot about this type of information is "Buyology". Martin Lindstrome is the author. Another topic was 10 surprisingly easy tactics that might save our brain. . Mountains of research reveals that simple things we do every day might cut our odds of losing our mind to Alzheimer's. A new book: "100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss.

We are a busy group in OLB and love to share our lives with each other. Many conversations and comments can lead us down just about any path. Just this week we learned how different states and areas handle jury duty. We are always ready to offer a kind word to our sisters in their time of need.

Beta hugs,

Dianne
OLB Rep


On Line Eta

Ann's nephew was in a head-on collision 10/06. Jon is a student at a University. Ann was diagnosed with breast cancer. The chapter extends their prayers and support to Ann, Jon and family.

The chapter also sends their love and support to the chapter president, Marion as she lost her husband over the summer, faced a move and return to another chapter.

Judy and Trish are facing moves and selling of their current homes. We wish them luck and success!

April has left the chapter, council and Beta Sigma Phi. We wish her the best and hope that she can return one day.

BOOK CLUB NEWS Our traveling book made it to the next stop, Karen's. She will pass it on once she is done. Sue Grafton's book R for Ricochet.

INTL NEWS The chapter noted that no more cookbooks will be publish by INTL. All enjoyed the article and advertising of Beta Sigma Phi on the back of a bus.

* Hamilton Area City Council, Canada*

Last fall, Janice Graham, formed a committee of 10 members from the Hamilton Area City Council. A group of ten named the committee, "Let's Promote Beta Sigma Phi in Hamilton." They challenged themselves /to think outside the box/ and at the end of their first meeting they had twelve ideas.

They decided visibility was the most important thing for sorority. How would they accomplish this? The Hamilton public buses include advertising on them and they travel all around town. The committee approached the bus company and arranged to have a Beta Sigma Phi sign placed on the back of a bus #212 anytime it is available, in other words - not a paid advertiser. Since the buses always change routes, the sign is literally seen all around the city and typically never in the same location on consecutive days. Of course, they brought the idea before the city council for a vote since funds were needed to have the sign printed. The council also voted to have a banner made to use at their annual yard sales, bake sales and to carry in the parades.

Other ideas the committee decided upon were adding fliers to the local Welcome Wagon, maintain a web site for the council activities, participate in the local parades, or walk-a-thons and volunteering.

Granted, some of these ideas need financial backing, so the city council voted to have $500.00 budgeted for annual rushing activities. A raffle basket at the annual May potluck will also assist in repleneshing the expenditures.

Janice states, /"*We have learned that we couldn't just sit back and wait for sisters to arrive at our front door. We have to be out on the street and meet them head on and invite them into this wonderful friendship group."

The chapter also noted the following regarding hard copy (mailed) Torch subscriptions...

*/ Torch Subscription Deadlines

Torch Subscriptions

We would love to have as many members as possible subscribe to the Torch. It is a vital link in keeping you connected to Beta Sigma Phi news. Please note the following dates. You must subscribe by set due dates to receive the corresponding issue.

Example: To receive the September/October 2010 Torch, you must subscribe by Sept 15, 2010.
November 2010 Torch -- Oct 1, 2010
December 2010 /January 2011 Torch -- December 15, 2010
February 2011 Torch -- January 1, 2011
March/April 2011 Torch -- March 15, 2011
May/June 2011 Torch -- May 15, 2011
/* * / ETA PROGRAMS FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

HEARING IMPAIRED

Sisters, Our program this month is about the hearing impaired. Hearing loss is a hidden disability and often those affected by it are often misinterpreted as being of lower intelligence or of being anti-social or just plain slow to 'get it' when a joke or smart remark is made. Consequently, many people who are struggling to hear refrain from getting help and just carry on.

Everyone has a different reaction to either being formally identified with a hearing loss or the suggestion that an aid might help them. I believe that the aforementioned is part of the reason. Sometimes one will have a 'bad' experience - the aid didn't work right, it felt uncomfortable, people looked at me funny....In addition they don't realize that all hearing systems are not alike and it is not a one size fits all. After being identified at age 5 I did not wear an aid until 8 years ago and 4 years ago I had an unidentified large drop in my ability to hear. Only in the last month do I have one that has enabled me to hear many everyday sounds once again.

When my last aid died it took 6 weeks to get a new one! It was a quiet six weeks but I also learned a lot by visiting with various hearing specialists each with a different educational level and researching on the internet. (How did we ever live without it?) Each specialist added something to my knowledge regarding which surprised me since I thought that I was pretty up on this topic. However, it just showed me how quickly things are improving for the hearing impaired.

Here are some tips for communicating with the someone who is struggling to hear you:

.Get the person's attention before you begin talking
.Be at the person's eye level ; bend or kneel for someone who is in a wheel chair
.Keep light on your face while talking, stay out of the shadow - show your face, especially your mouth; avoid chewing gum drinking or eattng while talking
. Stay put- don't move around while talking
.Avoid background noise, choose a quiet environment
.Postilion yourself within 3 to 6 feet of the person
. Do not speak from another room
. Speak clearly, not too fast, not too slow and lia normal tone of voice
. Keep your sentences short
. Do not shout
_Say it another way:_
. Rephrase, Rephrase, Rephrase and do not repeat yourself .Use facial expressions, gestures, and body language. write down key words or numbers (do not over dramatize the expressions)
. Confirm that you were understood
. Be patient, take time to communicate
.When we communicate, we share ideas, feelings and Information with others, usually by listening and speaking.
.Verbal communication on can be a challenge for someone who has a hearing loss.
.Talking louder to a person with a hearing loss may not increase understanding it may in fact, be annoying or embarassing for both parties .Effective communication involves active participation for both the listener and speaker

Below are the directions for one of the sites that an hearing specialist suggested I try. It gives a concrete example of what it is like to have a hearing loss. You will need to have a working speaker on your computer.

May I suggest that you follow my directions below to the site and give it a go? I am sure that you will find it of interest.

www.phonak-us.com â+"
Hearing & hearing loss â+"
How hearing loss sounds â+"
Hearing loss demos

That is it folks have fun....you might even want to check out your own hearing - there is an on-line test available at the home page as well.

Other resources include: www.hearingloss.org www.betterhearing.org or if all else fails just GOOGLE it...:)

Love Beta love & Hugs
August Program Given By: Margaret & FAVORITE QUOTES

Friendship
It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, "Always do what you are afraid to do." *Ralph Waldo Emerson*

Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash. *George S. Patton*

If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes.* St. Clement of Alexandra*

Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.* Ralph Waldo Emerson*

Life, in all ranks and situations, is an outward occupation, an actual and active work. *W. Humboldt*

Unrest of spirit is a mark of life; one problem after another presents itself and in the solving of them we can find our greatest pleasure.* Kal Menninger* Life is short, art long, opportunity fleeting, experience treacherous, judgment difficult. *Hypocrites *

After the game, the king and the pawn go into the same box.* Italian Proverb*

The acts of this life are the destiny of the next. *Eastern Proverb*

Life is a tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think.* La Bruyere*

Sept Program Given By: Susan

Beta hugs,

Karen
OLEta Rep


On Line Xi

Hi everyone! This is the first sharing report for the newly formed Online Xi!

I am the current president so will offer up the report. We have only had 2 meetings so far and since most of us are pledges we are still trying to find our way. Not much else to report as committees are still in their initial meeting phase.

We are capping our membership at 25 with 24 members and1 visiting to try us out - we want to remain small as we get to know each other and figure things out.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone here.

Beta hugs,

Paula
OLX President

On Line Theta

OLT had an apron exchange for Beginning Day, which was a really fun idea! Anyone that wanted to exchanged an apron with one of the other sisters in the chapter. It was exciting to read about what everyone else was given and some even shared pictures.

We also celebrated Beginning Day at the Sunflower Hotel in Kansas City, which has great historical significance for Beta Sigma Phis.

We have started to do our own in-chapter Koffee Klatch on a weekday morning. Anyone who is around at that time can participate in the discussion. A different topic is selected each time and of course the last one was about the aprons!

The chapter continues to talk about books and reading, as that is a favorite topic of all.

In September, our cultural event was Mayberry Days at Mt Airy, NC. We celebrated 50 years of the Andy Griffith Show and reminisced about our experiences with the show and about the good ol' days.

A wonderful new yearbook was mailed to each of the members by Carolyn W. She used great clip art and many colors to make a festive presentation.

We currently have several members that are having health issues- please remember them in your thoughts: Annie for surgery on her knee, Krissie for personal issues and a death in her family, Judy for her hospital stay. We wish them all a speedy recovery.

Vivian
OLK Rep


Back to Sharing Reports
Revised October 22, 2010